The course provides a general understanding of metabolic processes in microorganisms and a detailed understanding of the processes relevant for biodegradation and bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants. Examples of applications in industrial/environmental settings are given.
MICROBIOLOGIA AMBIENTALE a cura di P. Barbieri, G. Bestetti, E. Galli, D. Zannoni, CEA 2008.
LA PROTEZIONE DELL'AMBIENTE IN ITALIA, a cura di I.Bertini, R.Cipollini,P.Tundo.
BIOLOGIA DEI MICRORGANISMI - Microbiologia ambientale, biomedica e industriale, M. T. Madigan, J. M. Martinko, J. Parker.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge on the fundamental metabolic processes in microorganisms, including those that involve metal ions. Basic knowledge of the regulation of metabolism as a function of environmental conditions. Identification and monitoring of microorganisms. Knowledge of the use of microorganisms in industrial and environmental settings. Biochemical processes underlying the metabolism and the bioremediation of hydrocarbons. Understanding of the processes of biodegradation and bioremediation, addressing both metal ions and hydrocarbons. Comprehension of the parameters that are relevant for environmental and industrial applications. Capability to identify the biodegration processes that are relevant for the interaction of microorganisms with the substrates of interest, and the associated requisites for their exploitation.
Prerequisites
Courses required: none
Courses recommended: none
Teaching Methods
Frontal instruction. Total number of hours for Lectures (hours): 48
Type of Assessment
Oral exams, at least 8 sessions per year.
Course program
The classification of living organisms. Cell structure. Membrane structure. Cell metabolism. The sources of energy. Methanogenesis. Sintrophy. Monooxygenases. Dioxygenases. Aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds. The regulation of expression. Directed evolution. Bioremediation. Biomonitoring. Heavy metals as pollutants. The interaction between microorganisms and hevay metals. Microbial resistance to heavy metals.The biodegradation of lignin. Bioplastics. Water biodepuration. Water potabilization. Antibiotics.